The Green Bay Packers used the 179th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select Bowling Green defensive lineman Karl Brooks, a 293-pound disruptor who filled up the stat sheet over five seasons in the MAC.
Here’s our instant analysis of the Packers taking Brooks in the sixth round:
Zach Kruse
Brooks isn’t an elite athlete and might be a little bit of a tweener between the edge and interior defensive line, but there’s no doubting his disruptive ability and potential fit as a passing down rusher. He led Bowling Green in sacks for five straight seasons and was one of the highest-graded defensive players in college football last season at PFF. The Packers needed to bolster the depth up front on defense, and with Brooks, Lukas Van Ness and Colby Wooden, it’s mission accomplished. Given his experience and size, Brooks could contribute right away as a rotational rusher in 2023.
Paul Bretl
If I were to describe Karl Brooks in two words, it would be versatile and disruptive. He will be an interior defender with the Packers but played up and down the line at Bowling Green, including over 1,400 snaps at edge rusher. He had a dominant 2022 season with 63 pressures and 12 sacks, while ranking first in PFF run defense grade and sixth in pass rush win rate. Packers Director of Football Operations Milt Hendrickson said Brooks “looked like a man amongst boys” on his film.
Brennen Rupp
Karl Brooks plays faster than his timed speed. He has a quick first step and is a disrupter. He finished this past season with 69 pressures. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 17.5 sacks. The Packers needed to address the defensive line and Brooks could see the field on passing downs to get after the quarterback.
